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This year COVID-19 has changed the way we can interact and connect. We’ve seen lots of changes to how we can connect with each other for example social distancing, limits on group numbers and no mixing of year groups.

We chatted with Olivia Stewart and Jack Quinlan, our Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« Head Prefects for 2020/2021 to find out how they want to build stronger connections and reconnect the school community all the way from Kindergarten to Year 12.

What does the position of Head Prefect mean to you?

Olivia: I know it’s a big role and a huge honour. I want to change the school for the better by bringing each of the three schools together more.

Jack: It’s an opportunity for us to have an impact on the school and leave a legacy behind. We want to look towards the future but also build on the foundations of the school so we can make a bigger impact.

What do you think makes a good role model?

Olivia: I think being honest and open. I’ve learnt that from my father. He works nonstop for our family. I’ve watched his hard work, determination and drive. He’s been a great role model for me.

Jack: I think it’s easy for people to talk about leadership values, but you have to enact them in everything you do. That is a real role model. I've been so inspired by my Grandfather and the values he has instilled in me. He has done so much to progress the field of computer science. His memory is amazing. We even use him as our own version of Google!

How do you hope to build connectedness in the school?

Olivia: I've coached a Year 6 boys’ basketball and now I’m coaching a Year 5 team. I love seeing the kids develop over time. It’s amazing to see them grow and change as they build their skills and confidence. I’d like to encourage more opportunities like this where older students can help out in the classroom or cocurricular activities. I'd also like to organise lunchtime activities for younger students or a buddy system that connects kids across each school.

Jack: We’ve talked about ideas we have to integrate House Families more. We also want to create initiatives that allow older students to interact more with younger kids and Middle School students. It might be helping out with NGL lessons, or at competitions or carnivals. There are lots of ways we can help develop stronger and more powerful dynamics in the school.

Looking forward to the end of Year 12 in 2021, how would you like to be remembered as Head Prefects?

Olivia:  I’d like people to say that we made a difference and brought the school closer together – particularly when we do not know what will happen with COVID. I’d like people to remember us as being approachable and honest.

Jack: I’d like us to have made such a positive impact that people will remember who we were - even in years to come.